Children scribble on an Earth Day themed coloring page as their parents supervise.
A group of toddlers took turns hugging a massive blow-up globe after listening to a book about animals and insects that can be found in the woods.
The children, excited and attentive, were at the Walker Nature Education Center’s Earth Day Explorers program on Monday to trek through the forest and learn more about the planet they live in.
The event was for the Babes in the Woods nature program, targeted for children ages 18 to 35 months.
“There’s no time too early to get started,” said naturalist Ken Rosenthal, Reston Association. “And sometimes the out-of-the box thinking really gets me.”
His personal philosophy is there is no word or idea too big to introduce to a child.
“Selfishly, from an environmentalist’s point of view, it’s a great way to have them appreciate the environment,” he said.
Rosenthal called the parents “big people” and had the children create binoculars with recycled toilet paper tubes, yarn and their imagination.
After decorating their crafts, the group listened to a story about common animals, like fish and salamanders, that the children were likely to see during their nature trail adventure.
Many of the parents had come to previous Babes in the Woods events, which happen two consecutive days in a row every month.
Kristen Phillip, Reston, brought her 2-year-old daughter Leah.
“I started coming with my older son,” she said. “I think the program is really great.”
Yasmin Cupala juggled two daughters, 3-year-old Sonia and 1-year-old Farrah. She drives from Vienna once a month just for the program.
“We’ve been coming since Sonia was 18 months,” she said. “Their nature programs are the best. It’s a great way for them to learn more about the environment.”
Next month’s program, Wonderful Wetlands, will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on May 12 and 13 at Sunrise Valley Wetlands. Reservations are required by May 7.
For more information about events at the Walker Nature Education Center, call 703-476-9689, extension 5, or visit https://www.reston.org/ParksRecreationEvents/Nature/WalkerNatureCenter/WalkerNatureCenter/Default.aspx?qenc=HzT9ACzZbNs%3D&fqenc=VPAItzaY9s8vSsTO%2Fr3Xcw%3D%3D